Nursing Programs in Pasadena, CA

The Pasadena area offers aspiring nurses a wealth of degree options, putting a career in the healthcare field within reach for everyone. Whether you are just beginning to explore jobs in nursing, or already have your RN license, there is an accredited program in Pasadena that fits your career goals.

To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Pasadena, CA

For nurses fresh out of high school or college, or those making a career change, an entry level nursing program is the place to begin. These programs include Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, and even Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.

ADN Programs

Typically two year programs, ADN programs provide students with a basic nursing education and the associate’s degree that is the minimum required to begin professional careers in nursing. Long Beach City College offers an ADN program that is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in a variety of healthcare settings, or for further academic study of nursing.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

One of the most popular routes for becoming a registered nurse is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. BSN programs are open to students who do not have lower-level nursing certificate or diploma, as well as to students who have completed their bachelor’s degree in another field. California State University in Fullerton offers a full-time BSN program that can be completed in either 4 or 5 years.

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

Direct-entry MSN programs are designed for students who have completed their bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field but would like to begin their career as nurses and earn their master’s degree. The direct-entry MSN program at Western University of Health Sciences is a full-time program that is completed in six semesters over two years.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Pasadena, CA

For RNs who have completed their ADN and wish to complete a higher nursing degree, RN to BSN or RN to MSN “bridge programs” provide an accelerated pathway. These bridge programs count the nurse’s completed coursework and professional experience toward their next degree, which allows for a faster completion time than a typical BSN or MSN program.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs enable nurses to complete their bachelor’s degree much faster than a direct entry BSN program. California State University – Dominguez Hills offers a hybrid RN to BSN program with online coursework for students to complete when and where it fits with their schedules.

RN to MSN Programs

RN to MSN programs combines the curriculum of a BSN program with that of the master’s degree program on an accelerated time table. West Coast University offers RN to MSN programs that prepare nurses for careers as family nurse practitioners, nurse educators, nurse informatics and nurse leaders.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Pasadena, CA

Nurses with career aspirations of becoming nurse practitioners, administrators or leaders may want to pursue an advanced practice nursing program. These programs include Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, post-master’s certificate programs, and doctoral programs including the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.).

MSN Programs

Master’s level nursing programs prepare students for leadership positions in nursing as well as for careers as nurse practitioners. Azusa Pacific University offers a variety of MSN-level programs with specializations in pediatric nursing, adult-gerontology, clinical nurse specialist, healthcare administration, psychiatric nursing and others.

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Post-master’s certificate programs are designed for nurses who have already earned their MSN degree but would like to learn a new specialty. For example, California State University in Los Angeles offers a number of post-master’s certificate programs such as the 19 unit Certificate for Nursing Administration.

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

Doctoral nursing programs are the highest level education programs available to nurses. California State University in Fullerton offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for nurses who have completed their MSN degrees, as well as a DNP – Nurse Anesthesia program for nurses with a BSN or MSN degree. There are also Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs available to nursing students which prepare them for careers in research and education. One example of a nursing Ph.D. program is the Doctor of Philosophy program at University of California Los Angeles, which includes coursework in the health of diverse and vulnerable populations, older adults and patients with chronic and communicable diseases.